The Waiting is Over
The long wait is over. The Hosta are finally
peeking out of the soil. The Star of David in the
background have been green for some time.
Updates from May, 2014 Toggle Comment Threads | Keyboard Shortcuts
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Noreen
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Noreen
Happy, Happy, Happy
The sun was out today and even with a strong north wind it was great just being outside. Being in the sun and staying active it didn’t take long to feel warmth but as soon as the sun went behind clouds a chill was felt. Dennis and I put out some garden art and in between time coffee was enjoyed on the back patio.
I can attest to the fact that I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. Contentment on Stauffer Ave is a “10.” I don’t want for anything, I don’t have a need in the world. My wish is for everyone to cherish the nitch that they have carved out for themselves. As I said – happy, happy, happy.
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Noreen
A Treasure
During this very long winter that has now become a late spring I had been tiding up projects that had been started in times past. I cannot believe it, but that job jar has been emptied with the completion of the afghan that my friend, Martha, labeled as the “flame afghan.”
The rose quilt that has warmed and
served many over the decades.Digging in the linen closet I spied with my little eye a storage bag that had not been visited for some time. One of the lovelies within was a quilt my Dad’s sister, Corrina, had handcrafted before I was born. I only have the information that my Mom had given me — and as I have just celebrated my 70th birthday — I have no documentation as to just how many years prior it had been made. The roses are appliqued on bleached feed sacks. At one time the pure pink and green colors were brilliant and now they are a wonderful, muted soft color attesting to the wear and tear the surface of each block has experienced.
During yet another rain shower yesterday, I took my treasure and went to Sherburn, Minneosta, to the Old Alley Quilt Shop for some advice. Some of the blocks have actual holes worn and many of the thousands upon thousands of hand quilted stitches have long ago disappeared. As Sharon and I enjoyed a cup of coffee, mulling possibilities, there was only one solution: no repair, no replacing of hand stitches, and no new fabric to be added to this treasure.
Just as the scar I have on my left eye from falling head first into the brand new outhouse my Dad had built when I was five is a part of me, so are the small worn spots a representation of how much this quilt was used and loved. Putting anything new on this treasure would take away from the simplistic — yet grand display — these stitches represented.
I did come away with Vintage Textile Soak especially for antique linens to brighten up the yellowing that has taken place from previous use and also from being in storage. The cleaning process will wait for a brilliant sunny day. The quilt is to soak in this textile wash for 24-36 hours in the washing machine. After it has been rinsed with clear water and spun to remove the weight of extra water, it will go into the clothes dryer for just a short time and then air dried outside. Finding a spot in the backyard I will lay it flat on several bed sheets to finish the drying process. Hanging it on the clothes line would put too much pressure on the seams. I can imagine I will need to take a pot of coffee with me to ward off any birds in the direct vicinity.This wonderful work of art will find a spot on the quilt rack my Dad had made for me. I won’t be putting Corrina’s quilt back in storage for the time being. I want to be able to peek at it as I walk past or periodically put it on the bed to brighten up the west porch as the sun streams in. I had anticipated putting in a lot of hours on this rehab and have now come to realize that I am open to start a brand new project. Hmm.
I really think it’s time for me to be able to be out in the gardens getting my fingernails dirty and leave the fabric projects behind for a bit. This afternoon we had peeks of the sun and the temps reached 57 degrees. I took my Weed and Spray and bent down real close and personal and let a multitude of dandelions have it with both barrels. The dirt in the gardens is far too muddy to do anything but make a mess, but I am not so desperate for flowers that I will encourage the dandelions. Warm spring days are just around the corner and I am ready, willing and able to take those days on. Even Dennis is getting the bug to get the rider lawn mower ready. Life on Stauffer is sweet.
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Noreen
Fleeting Thoughts:
Patience is the ability to accept delays in my life without anger.
Tolerance is to accept behavior or opinions that I may not necessarily agree with.
Exercising both of these attributes to excess can make me weary. I am many times a zero in the equation for resolution of life’s events. Quilting and gardening can wear me out. I choose quilting and gardening to wear me out and the end result – I have something positive to show for my toil and that weariness is satisfying.
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Noreen
Today Was a Road Trip Date
Gray skies and continued rain showers made for Dennis to plan the day to take a drive to Cabela’s mega-sports store in Owatonna. I accepted his invitation to ride along. We had not traveled east of Mankato in some time and were surprised that Minnesota State Highway #14 is now a four lane all the way to Owatonna. It may very well be complete beyond that point towards Rochester but that will be for another excursion. It is always interesting to see the changes in the landscape on these road trips.
Dennis looked and touched and came away with a new awareness of how several of his guns have appreciated in value. That was a very self satisfying feeling. As we drove home westward towards Mankato we again had the windshield wipers on. Our date concluded with a bite to eat in Mankato. We sat over several additional cups of coffee and deemed the day a great road trip date. In case you are rolling your eyes right about now, yes – you are right – it does not take much to satisfy and bring contentment to Dennis and me. Priceless!
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Noreen
Beauty and the Beast
The Fairfax Beauty nestled under the protection of the fierce.
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Noreen
We Are Expecting New Neighbors
As soon as the temps rise above the 40s,
and the horrific winds settle down, we will
be ready to welcome new neighbors. -
Noreen
Lois' Mini-Cinnamon Rolls
• You’ll need 1, 8-oz tube of crescent roll dough (the size that makes 16 mini rolls)
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• Cinnamon
• Brown sugar
For the maple icing:
• 1 Teaspoon maple syrup
• 1 Tablespoon milk
• 3/4 cup powered sugar
Preheat oven according to dough package directions. Layout half of the dough (4 triangles) and pinch all the seams together. Flip over and pinch the seams together on the back side.
Using a rolling pin or a water glass, smooth the seams and roll the dough into a square 1/4″ thick. Brush with half the butter and sprinkle on as much cinnamon and brown sugar as you desire. Roll into a log and cut in to 8 pieces. Repeat with the remaining 4 triangles.
Place rolls into a sprayed mini muffin tin. I have also tried placing them into a 9 x 12 baking pan that has been sprayed. Bake according to dough package directions.
For the frosting: Meanwhile, whisk maple syrup and milk in a bowl. Add powdered sugar and have it ready.
When the rolls are still warm from the oven, pop them out of the muffin tin or cake pan by turning them upside down and place them right side up on a tray, ready for some frosting.
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Noreen
Dennis and I went for a drive to…
Dennis and I went for a drive to the west of St. James this afternoon to see if there was farming going on. It’s pretty much hit and miss. What struck me was the size of the equipment. It seemed to be floating above the fields. For the most part farmers were pulling fertilizer tanks getting the fields ready for corn planting. Right now it is late afternoon with dark skies and blustery winds that make it feel very cool. Spring has had a bit more of a set back. Brr! Jackets are still very much needed.
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Noreen
Old Can Become New
No it isn’t Voodoo – it is a sand shovel that had lost it’s handle and has been re-purposed into garden art. A few pieces of turned metal rods and two drawer knobs make for the unique. As soon as my plants have made themselves known this will find a place in one of the gardens.
